Chapter 327

"Now that everyone's present and Vivian's rested, let's begin our meal." Eleanor gestured for Vivian to take her seat, her voice brimming with warmth.

"Good morning, Grandfather Frederick, Uncle William, and Julian." Vivian offered them a polite smile, her manners impeccable.

"Did you sleep well?" Frederick studied Vivian with growing admiration. Each glance only deepened his fondness for her.

"Very well, thank you for asking." Vivian nodded gracefully. Years navigating the Blackwood family had honed her survival instincts—masks were her armor.

"Really?" Julian barely suppressed a smirk. "Because I distinctly recall seeing you wandering the gardens at midnight. Even patched up a hole in the wall. Hardly the behavior of someone who slept soundly."

Vivian shot him a glare that could melt steel. Ungrateful brat. He knows exactly why I did it.

"A hole?" Frederick's expression turned glacial, reminiscent of a battlefield commander.

Vivian quickly explained, "The moonlight was breathtaking, so I took a stroll. Noticed some structural damage and fixed it. Insomnia and all."

Frederick gave a curt nod. "While you may rest today, remember—the Blackwoods adhere to military discipline. Routine strengthens the mind."

Vivian blinked. What?

"You're military stock, Isabella. Arthur would approve," Frederick added, referencing her late grandfather.

Vivian gulped. Arthur had drilled her in combat tactics, bomb disposal, even troop training—but spoiled her rotten otherwise.

"Enough, Grandfather," Julian interjected. "We're not even officially together yet. Don't scare her off."

"Ignore him," Julian continued, waving a hand. "As my wife, you'll keep whatever hours you please. Discipline is overrated."

Eleanor beamed in agreement. "Exactly! Happiness matters most—we won't impose rules."

Frederick's jaw tightened, but before he could argue, a maid burst in, frantic. "Eleanor's vanished!"

"Vanished?" Frederick's fork clattered against his plate. "Explain."

"The room was empty this morning. No signs of forced entry—like she evaporated!"

"Preposterous," Frederick snapped.

William frowned. "Unless someone released her, how does a person disappear?"

The maid gasped. "The new maid! It must've been her!"